100-year-old tree cut down after tragedy claims two children in Kirinyaga

The tragedy occurred on September 2, 2025, as the boys were being prepared for school by their grandmother, Nancy Muthoni. Residents had long expressed concerns over the tree’s safety, urging the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) to intervene before further loss of life.

According to NIA Manager Dennis Okinyi, cutting down the massive tree required careful planning to avoid destruction in the surrounding area.

“It is sad that the tree claimed the lives of two children. It took us several days to plan how to safely bring it down,” Okinyi said.

The operation, which lasted nearly 10 hours, also involved demolishing the house where the boys died to prevent further damage during the exercise.

Residents, led by community leaders Irungu Mwangi and Ephantus Gatei, described the tree as both historic and hazardous. They noted that while the tree had stood in the village for more than a century, its enormous limbs frequently fell on power lines, posing a constant danger.

“We were told forest officers initially resisted the idea of cutting it down, saying it should be preserved as the oldest tree in Kirinyaga. But safety had to come first,” Mwangi said.

Following the felling, villagers were permitted to collect firewood, though disputes arose as some demanded access to the entire tree for timber. Gatei confirmed that NIA is still in discussions with residents, and the remains of the tree are currently under guard to prevent unauthorized harvesting.

Last week, the two young brothers were laid to rest in an emotional burial attended by neighbors and relatives, many of whom expressed frustration that the tragedy could have been avoided.